Whistleblowing and labour law: The Whistleblower Directive - development, content and obstacles

Abstract

While some people consider whistleblowers to be selfless heroes, others tend to see them as snitches and denunciators. One way or another, whistleblowing is a prominent term, whose meaning everyone seems to know, whilst simultaneously remaining significantly vague.  With the entry into force of the Whistleblower Directive on 17th December 2019, the subject of whistleblowing is gaining further scientific as well as media attention. This legal act will certainly have, inter alia, an influence on the future design of industrial relations since whistleblowing is closely intervened with the work environment. Without going into the concrete implementation possibilities of the respective Member States, this article is dedicated to highlighting issues of particular relevance to labour law. Before dealing with these specific aspects, there will be a broad analysis of the thematic area of whistleblowing in terms of the understanding of the concept, the interests at stake and the background of the new Directive.